A South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier facing criminal charges of possession will return to court in May, after being granted bail at the Goodwood Magistrates’ Court. 

The 51-year-old accused, Jonathan Levendal, appeared in the dock on Monday following his arrest over the weekend. The arrest follows an operation by the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) at a residence on Delphi Street, Eureka Estate, in Ravensmead.  

According to Western Cape police spokesperson, Captain F.C. Van Wyk, the unit acted on intelligence regarding a military member allegedly storing weapons on his property. 

Van Wyk noted that upon arrival, officers found the house empty but noticed suspicious concrete under a carpet. 

“…in one room, under a carpet a member saw concrete with plastic sticking out. The members then broke the concrete with a sledgehammer after which were found a steel box buried in the ground.” 

Items in the box included a Beretta Z88 pistol, an AR15 rifle frame, nitrocellulose (compound used for explosives), and a Claymore anti-personnel mine. 

“The AGU members arrested a 51-year-old male in connection with the discovery on Saturday, 2026-02-28 at 02:45,” said Van Wyk. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the legal process is underway, with the accused having appeared in court on Monday. He’s facing charges for the possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives, which has since been transported to the Ravensmead SAPS s exhibits.  

“The case against Jonathan Levendal has been postponed until 06 May 2026 after the court set bail. The case has been postponed for further investigation,” said NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila.  

Reports indicate that bail was set at R6,000.  

Meanwhile, the Provincial Organised Crime Detectives’ Firearms Investigations Unit has taken over the docket as they probe the origin and intended use of the military-grade equipment.